“They took it,” answered Creel, his voice rising almost to a scream.
“Who?”
“Burnnel and Emery. That woman.”
“Where did you meet them?”
“Back there,” the recluse waved one arm. “I came on them unexpectedly.” He shook in his agitation. “Wasn’t even thinking about them. I—I— The policeman— He was following me. Ever since last night.”
The story seemed plausible, yet in order to make sure that their captive spoke the truth, they searched his pockets, which proved to be almost as bare as their own.
“Did they take your money too?” Dick demanded.
“Yes.”
“Where are they camped now?”
“About a mile from here. They turned me loose less than an hour ago.”